Advancing his official career

Though he was also thinking of the old house in the village, now that he had arrived in the county town, both sentiment and propriety demanded that Chu Bai first visit the teacher who had given him a new lease on life.

The Zhang Residence still stood in a deep alley, a quiet haven amid the bustle. Its slightly weathered door knocker lent it an understated, old-world air.

Chu Bai stepped forward and tapped the knocker.

A moment later, the side door creaked open a crack, and a young servant in blue poked his head out.

Seeing that the visitor was not some high official or noble but a travel-worn youth, a flicker of surprise crossed the servant's eyes.

But he quickly recognized this student who had visited before. Not daring to neglect him, he hurriedly opened the door, ushered Chu Bai into the front hall, and served him tea before rushing to the rear courtyard to announce his arrival.

Before long, familiar footsteps approached.

Daoist Zhang still wore a loose Daoist robe, his hair and beard half white, his bearing hale and vigorous.

As an accomplished cultivator at Qi Refining Perfection, his aura remained profound, but the sight of Chu Bai brought a smile of pure delight to his face.

"Chu Bai? The Dao Academy shouldn't be on break at this time of year, should it? What brings you here to visit these old bones today?"

He assumed the boy had perhaps grown homesick and taken advantage of some holiday to return for a visit.

Chu Bai quickly rose and bowed deeply. "Your student pays his respects, Teacher."

Straightening, he replied with a smile, "Everything is well at the Dao Academy. I've gained a great deal this past year, and no fools have caused me any trouble."

"Now that